You could say that Van Cleef & Arpels was built on love. Following the 1895 marriage of Estelle Arpels, the daughter of a precious gems dealer, and Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a Dutch diamond-cutter and broker, the maison was founded in Paris' Place Vendôme in 1906.
As if a sign of destiny, even the house's first creation recorded in its sales book in 1906 was a diamond heart. Over the decades, many Van Cleef & Arpels pieces would be linked to the world's most famous couples. One such piece was an astounding ruby and diamond necklace commissioned by the Duke of Windsor (then King Edward VIII) for Wallis Simpson before his abdication.
Next is a pearl and diamond wedding jewellery suite - comprising a pair of earrings, necklace and ring- ordered by Prince Rainier of Monaco for Grace Kelly. It's said that the prince had taken the actress to the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in New York and met with Louis Arpels, who convinced him that pearls were befitting of his fiancée's beauty. Another piece is the 1971 Barquerolles necklace, which was a gift from Richard Burton to his wife Elizabeth Taylor.
Through the use of age-old artistic crafts, the maison has continually created phenomenal women’s timepieces inspired by the theme of love. A prime example is the Mythical Couples collection of eight high jewellery watches, which tells the stories of seven legendary couples from literature, mythology and opera.
This story is from the February 2023 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2023 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Detox With A Side Of Botox?
Wellness hotels and resorts have always been more about stress relief and sensory indulgence than scans and stem cells, but a growing number are transforming into medical wellness destinations, with science-backed therapies accompanying typical spa offerings.
ELECTRIC LUXE
Mercedes-Benz combines advanced technology, personalisation and sustainability with its all-electric fleet to transform urban mobility in Singapore.
NO HOLDS BAR
Innovation is rife in Singapore’s competitive cocktail scene.
SADDLE UP
Saut Hermès 2024 puts the French luxury company's fine craftsmanship and savoir faire in its toughest arena yet the competition ring.
RHYTHM OF TIME
Adorned withfairies and ballerinas, these Poetry of Time timepieces by Van Cleef Arpel: mi the passage of the hours, minutes __and seconds, creating a meditative experience. The delicate figures h It of h f skilled work by the h i oe are the result of hours of skilled work by the house’s artisans, including gem-setters, enamellers and engravers. Beyond beauty on ne surface, mechanical movements drive their exceptional horological features, such as jumping hours and retrograde time-indicating hands. i
TRACING TREASURES
The Chanel Patrimoine is a space dedicated to the maison’s most precious fine jewellery and timepieces. Just as priceless are the stories embedded in each creation.
MISSION TO ASTONISH
Tiffany Co CEO ANTHONY LEDRU takes the brand back to its roots by reaffirming its position as a high jewellery heavyweight.
EX MACHINA
Established jewellery maisons continue to introduce technical breakthroughs in their collections while finding middle ground with age-old practices.
AMONG THE STARS
THERE'S PLENTY TO IN COUTURE TO CELEBRATE THIS SEASON, WHETHER IT'S HONOURING THE SALON, PAYING TRIBUTE TO PLAY OR HAVING THE BUTTON TAKE THE LEAD.
RISE & SHINE
In an intense sharing session with the high-flying women from SCCCI's Career Women's Group, Prestige uncovers the hidden levers of success.
